Marine Corps plans Osprey training on Kauai, state Supreme Court approves Maui telescope, Red Hill fuel spill meeting draws concerned crowd, union calls for ouster of Honolulu fire chief, huge jury pool summoned for Kenoi trial, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A U.S. Marine MV-22 landing on flight deck of aircraft carrier Nimitz, public domain photo

So quietly it almost went unnoticed, the Marine Corps has floated a plan to conduct training with three types of aircraft, including one critics say is prone to crashes, on Kauai and The Forbidden Island. Civil Beat.

An estimated 41,000 Hawaii residents will see a substantial jump in their Obamacare health insurance premiums in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

This Group Is Looking For Better Ways Hawaii Can Limit Painkillers. Once a leader, Hawaii has fallen behind on ways to identify doctors who overprescribe as well as patients who shop around for opioid pain pills. Civil Beat.

The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 8 general election is Oct. 10 — that’s Monday by 4:30 p.m. (Note: Effective this year, qualified Hawaii residents who are not registered may go in-person to any early walk in voting location within their county to register and vote. That’s Oct. 25 through Nov. 5.) Civil Beat.

Securing a future for Hawai’i’s keiki. That was the focus of a conference on emerging technologies today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu
Nearly three years after one of the Navy’s massive underground fuel tanks at Red Hill leaked 27,000 gallons of fuel, the military has yet to clean up the spill or commit to long-term remedies for improving the 18 active World War II-era tanks that sit just 100 feet above a critical aquifer that supplies Oahu drinking water. Star-Advertiser.

The Environmental Protection Agency says millions of gallons of fuel stored in a military facility under Red Hill is unlikely to reach the water supply. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens filled the Moanalua Middle School cafeteria Thursday evening for a public meeting on the US Navy's fuel tank facility at Red Hill. KITV.

The union for Honolulu firefighters is calling for Fire Chief Manuel Neves to step down following recent safety concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s mayor is calling on the Honolulu Fire Commission to ask for a review of the fire department’s training and safety procedures in the wake of two accidents in the past few months. KHON2.

The state Agribusiness Development Corp. has received $31.5 million to buy nearly 900 acres of agricultural land in Central Oahu to be used as part of the Whitmore farming project in the area, Pacific Business News has learned.

Kakaako Waterfront Park's temporary shorter hours took effect Thursday night. But dozens of park users were unaware of the early closure because of the short notice, and officials took it easy on enforcement as a result. Hawaii News Now.

Incumbent state Rep. Bob McDermott and the Democratic challenger Rose Martinez share the same desire to ease traffic gridlock, relieve overcrowding at Campbell High School and find upgrades to all of the schools in Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii first lady Vicky Cayetano’s United Laundry Services, which a few months ago joined Las Vegas’ PureStar Linen Group, has sold its properties for a total of $44.5 million, Pacific Business News has learned.

Hawaii

Summons have been sent to 1,600 potential jurors for Mayor Billy Kenoi’s theft trial, which is scheduled to start Monday in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Over the objections of some local businesses, the County Council on Wednesday advanced a bill closing the parking lot between Kuakini Highway and Likana Lane from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. West Hawaii Today.

Now in its second year, Ka‘u Learning Academy is readying for a growth spurt. West Hawaii Today.

Cory Harden called the Puna geothermal power plant a "dragon in the backyard that can wake up at any time," following recent steam releases at the Pohoiki facility. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Hawaii Supreme Court handed down two opinions Thursday that upheld government approvals for the advanced-technology solar telescope under construction at the summit of Haleakala. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Supreme Court on Thursday affirmed a permit to build a solar telescope on a Maui mountain. The ruling denies a challenge by a group seeking to protect the sacredness of the summit of Haleakala. The University of Hawaii followed proper procedure for an environmental assessment, the Supreme Court also ruled in a separate ruling. Associated Press.

President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for Hawaiʻi on Thursday, which triggers the release of federal funds to help communities recover from the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred Sept. 11-14, 2016. Maui Now.

Heavy rains and flooding in September caused no more than an estimated $1 million in damage to  Maui County’s water system, and about 3 million gallons of water per day continues to be lost as crews continue repairs. Maui News.

Proceedings before the state water commission involving stream flow standards and diversions in East Maui and Central Maui, which will be impacted by the closure of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co., are expected to commence at the end of this year and into early 2017. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii has been dubbed the endangered species capital of the world, and the state’s Department of Agriculture is partnering with other agencies to create a plan to protect the biodiversity of the archipelago. Garden Island.

Hawaii tourism up, copter commander fired days before deadly crash, Maui jail plans scuttled for Oahu project, lawmakers have gambling fever, inter-island ferry bill floated, zika worries add to dengue scare, airport security bribery spurs lawmaker action, mayor's deputy seeks top Hawaii County job, EPA investigates Kauai pesticide poisoning, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rainbow over Kauai © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s tourism industry achieved its fourth consecutive year of records for visitor arrivals and visitor expenditures in 2015, with strong momentum expected to continue into 2016. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii hotel market is doing well, compared to its Asia Pacific counterparts, according to a new report by Hospitality Advisors and STR Inc. Pacific Business News.

The commanding officer of the Kaneohe Bay Marine squadron, which lost 12 aviators two weeks ago in a helicopter accident, was removed from his job three days prior to the tragedy because he had failed to keep the unit operating at acceptable standards, the Marine Corps Times reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Copter Commander Fired Days Before Crash. Twelve Marines were killed in the Jan. 14 crash of two helicopters off Oahu’s North Shore, just three days after the unit’s commanding officer was removed from his post. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers in Hawaii want to make an exception to the state’s gambling ban by legalizing fantasy sports contests. Hawaii is one of two states, along with Utah, with no legal gambling. The Aloha State has some of the strictest anti-gambling laws in the country, Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin said. Associated Press.

There’s Another Hawaii Lottery Bill. Rep. John Mizuno’s bill would direct proceeds to be used to address homelessness. Civil Beat.

Private Police Force At Hawaii Airports Draws Legislative Scrutiny Contract security guards at the state’s airports carry guns and have the authority to arrest people. But some lawmakers question whether they’re qualified to do so. Civil Beat.

Re-establishing an interisland ferry capable of carrying hundreds of passengers as well as vehicles and cargo should be a priority for Hawaii, giving residents an alternative to expensive air transportation, according to a bill introduced Wednesday by Big Island Sen. Lorraine Inouye. Maui News.

Lawmakers Debate A Lower Blood-Alcohol Limit For Drivers. The measure is deferred, but another making it illegal to smoke in a car containing minors is passed by the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee. Civil Beat.

Establishment of a law enforcement standards board is a priority for female lawmakers at the Hawaii Legislature this year. Another is that county police commissions have members experienced in women’s issues and civil rights. The 2016 Women’s Legislative Caucus package also targets domestic violence and sex trafficking. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Health is looking for ways to beef up its staffing and expertise for responding to mosquito-borne viruses like dengue and Zika, following a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pointing out “critical deficiencies” at the agency. Civil Beat.

After months battling the dengue virus, Hawaii health officials now are wary of another mosquito-borne virus that is sweeping through the Americas and has been linked to brain damage in thousands of babies in Brazil. Tribune-Herald.

Compared to other states and regions, Hawaii’s labor market is tiny. However, its growth needs to be realistic and lofty goals are not the solution, according to a panel of experts. Hawaii faces an “uphill battle” to fix its labor market, said Jack Suyderhoud, a professor of business economics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Shidler College of Business at a “jobs for Hawaii” panel hosted by ThinkTech Hawaii on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Under new legislation introduced by Gov. David Ige, the price tag for building a new facility to replace the crumbling Oahu Community Correctional Center could reach nearly a half-billion dollars. Civil Beat.

A joint Senate and House committee was briefed yesterday on a proposal to move the O’ahu Community Correctional Center from Kalihi to Halawa. Hawaii Public Radio.

It’s been more than two years since building resumed on Honolulu’s rail transit system, but the project continues to cope with its earlier construction delays and those costs are proving more expensive than officials had anticipated. Star-Advertiser.

An Oahu grand jury has indicted four private security officers and traffic control officers for allegedly taking bribes from taxi and shuttle drivers at Honolulu Airport, state Attorney General Douglas Chin announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

An Oahu grand jury indicted four Securitas law enforcement and traffic control officers on Thursday for accepting bribes from taxi and shuttle drivers at the Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin announced. KITV4.

Airport bribery scheme sparks criticism over security at state facilities. KHON2.

Burglaries on Oahu dipped to a 30-year low last year, following local and national trends of declining crime. Star-Advertiser.

Folks unhappy with the city’s decision to allow alcohol in a roped-off section of the National Football League’s Pro Bowl Beach Stadium party at Queen’s Surf Beach today and Saturday are expected to voice their objections during the event. Star-Advertiser.

Police are investigating after a dozen schools received prank bomb threats Thursday afternoon. The threats were made between 2 and 3 p.m., police said, and officers were dispatched to each school. Hawaii News Now.

Several Honolulu schools were evacuated Thursday afternoon due to a series of bomb threats. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s top deputy quit his job Thursday and announced he’s running for mayor. West Hawaii Today.

Wally Lau announced his candidacy for Hawaii County Mayor on Thursday, resigning from his post as Hawaii County Managing Director. Big Island Video News.

A Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officer accused of raping a 16-year-old girl on a Hilo beach faces a possible 20 years in prison if he is convicted under terms requested by prosecutors. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County has identified revisions for a park project in Kukuihaele it hopes will better suit the community’s needs after residents expressed concern earlier this month. West Hawaii Today.

Two bills currently under review in the legislature call for $100,000 to study the impact of a small satellite launch facility on Hawaii Island. KHON2.

The number of visitors arriving by airline on Hawaii Island rose by 3.8 percent in 2015, according to preliminary data released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Meanwhile, cruise ship tourism foundered slightly, dropping 0.2 percent, with 225,707 visitors arriving on the Big Island by ship in 2015. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Plans to relocate Maui’s overcrowded jail to a larger facility in Puunene have fallen by the wayside as Gov. David Ige aggressively moves forward on plans to relocate Oahu’s largest jail to the grounds of the existing Halawa Correctional Facility. Star-Advertiser.

To prevent vehicle overcrowding and safety hazards in a parking lot at 'Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing a concrete-paved, 31,000-square-foot parking lot. Maui News.

Kauai

Two government agencies are coordinating an investigation after some Syngenta workers were hospitalized last week after they were exposed to the pesticide chlorpyrifos. Dean Higuchi, Environmental Protection Agency spokesman, said his regional office was working with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to review the incident. Garden Island.

For 2015, Kauai saw 1.16 million visitors, up 4.3 percent from 1.11 million in 2014. Garden Island.

Homelessness the focus as Hawaii legislative session begins today, search suspended for 12 Marines lost in crash, 26 sue Kamehameha Schools over sex abuse by psychiatrist, Supreme Court allows Native Hawaiian convention, court axes Maui water permits, Kona group seeks fishing ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu homeless © 2016 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige is asking the Legislature for nearly $11 million this session to finance an array of homeless programs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are gearing up to tackle homelessness and affordable housing in the upcoming legislative session. Garden Island.

State lawmakers gather today for the 2016 legislative session, with the House and Senate convening at 10 a.m. at the state Capitol for what lawmakers say will be subdued opening-day proceedings. Star-Advertiser.

As in recent sessions, opening day of the 2016 Hawaii Legislature will be a “scaled back” occasion. It reflects the legislative branch’s focus on keeping spending and celebration under control in favor of attending to the business of the people. Civil Beat.

With the end-of-session Senate shakeup last May, power was consolidated among the members of the factions that supported Ron Kouchi to be the new president. Now, as attention turns to the start of the 2016 session Wednesday, there are concerns that too few have too much control over what legislation might advance in the 25-member chamber. Civil Beat.

The Grassroot Institute of Hawai’i hosted a panel discussion on the State Budget Tuesday, one day before the Legislature convenes for its 2016 session. Hawaii Public Radio.

The chairs of three committees in the Hawaii House of Representatives were accepting campaign contributions at MW Restaurant Tuesday night. Civil Beat.

The Native Hawaiian self-governance convention planned for next month cleared a legal hurdle Tuesday when the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an attempt to hold convention organizers in contempt of court. Star-Advertiser.

Vinegar and hot water really do work on jellyfish stings, according to University of Hawaii-Manoa researchers, while a popular home remedy — urinating on them — is no better than splashing on seawater.Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Coast Guard suspended its search Tuesday evening for 12 missing Marines off Oahu after no survivors were found during five days of continuous searching in the aftermath of a two-helicopter crash. Star-Advertiser.

Officials Tuesday suspended the massive search for 12 Marines who were aboard two helicopters that crashed off Hawaii last week. Associated Press.

The massive, multi-agency search for 12 Marines missing after two choppers collided off Oahu’s North Shore late Thursday has been suspended, with no survivors found. Hawaii News Now.

The U.S. Coast Guard announced Tuesday that at sunset, crews suspended the active search for 12 Marines missing after Thursday night’s double helicopter crash off the North Shore. KHON2.

================================

Twenty-six men — 24 former Kamehameha Schools students and two from other schools — alleged in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that as children they were systematically sexually abused and prescribed inappropriate prescription drugs by Kamehameha’s psychiatrist, who shot himself to death in 1991 when confronted by the allegations. Star-Advertiser.

Twenty-six former students alleged in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that they were repeatedly sexually abused by a now-deceased psychiatrist at a private school for Native Hawaiians. Associated Press.

Former Kamehameha Schools students filed a molestation lawsuit Tuesday morning against the school. KITV4.

================================

The Roman Catholic Church in Hawaii is suing a local insurance company, alleging that the insurer won’t cover settlements arising from scores of past sexual abuses cases in the islands. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige recently said the crumbling sewage system is the main contributor to Hawaii’s housing development problem, but the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services thinks this claim is unfair. However, while the city is spending $5.2 billion on upgrading the Oahu's sewage system, the money is not going toward expanding capacity. Pacific Business News.

What led a former Honolulu mayor and city prosecuting attorney to enter Hawaii’s burgeoning medical marijuana industry? Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Co. and the U.S. Department of Energy said Tuesday they will invest a combined $4.8 million in a research project to look into how to increase rooftop solar and energy storage on Hawaii’s grid. Star-Advertiser.

The use of liquefied natural gas as a replacement for oil would have saved Oahu electric utility customers $132 million in fuel costs, according to an 18-month study commissioned by Hawaii Gas that was released on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Gas Promises To Save Us $1.3 Billion — If Only We Let Them As the gas company prepares to announce a possible liquid natural gas partner, it touts an analysis claiming big savings if Hawaii switches from oil to LNG to fuel power plants. Civil Beat.

Hawaii
If a local marine stewardship group prevails, a stretch of North Kona shoreline will be put off limits to most fishing for the next decade under a plan to create a new marine reserve at Kaupulehu. West Hawaii Today.

Keauhou aquifer resolution could be a long time coming. West Hawaii Today.

A Hawaii County Councilman tried reaching deeper into social media to find support for his state Senate run. Greggor Ilagan was asking people on Tinder, the mobile dating app, to help him win a seat this fall to represent Puna. Civil Beat.

Researchers at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources are working with local growers to combat an introduced insect that damages macadamia trees. Tribune-Herald.

After a four-minute public hearing Tuesday attended by no one from the public, Hawaii County adopted new rules governing drug testing of successful job applicants. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

An Oahu judge has invalidated state water diversion permits to Alexander & Baldwin for its waning Maui sugar operations in a ruling that a member of the plaintiff's group called "a historic victory." The permits have been extended annually for 13 years without an official environmental review. Maui News.

An Oahu judge has invalidated a state practice of issuing permits to Alexander & Baldwin to divert millions of gallons of irrigation water daily from streams for its Maui sugar operations. Hawaii News Now.

"Challenging Global Impacts of the Agrochemical Industry: 2016 Food Justice Summit" and its international group of speakers addressed a packed house at McCoy Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Saturday night. Maui News.

Kauai

With today’s opening of the Hawaii State 2016 legislative session, county officials are setting their sights on reclaiming what they say is their fair share of the transient accommodations tax. Mike White, chairman of the Maui County Council, recently presented his research on the recent developments on the TAT to the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

While Kauai’s legislators have been solidifying goals and gearing up for the session, community leaders and residents have been formulating their own ideas on what should be paramount on the list of issues to tackle. Garden Island.

Ground is being broken for the Timbers Kauai Ocean Club and residences, a $140 million project which will cover nearly 20 acres overlooking Nawiliwili Bay. Garden Island.

Ige job approval at 48 percent, one year into office; homelessness big issue as legislative session begins Wednesday; no indication 12 Marines used life rafts but were wearing special gear; feral parakeets damage crops; Molokai ferry suffering from cutbacks; aerial hunting begins on Maui; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige © 2016 All Hawaii News

About half of Hawaii voters have a favorable impression of Democratic Gov. David Ige, but just one year into his administration, a significant chunk of people say he is not doing a good job. A statewide survey of registered Hawaii voters found that 48 percent approve of the job Ige is doing, while 41 percent disapprove. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s rampant homelessness clearly has the attention of island voters who aren’t pleased with how Gov. David Ige is handling the crisis, according to the latest Hawaii Poll. The poll found that 56 percent of registered voters statewide say Ige is not doing a good job on homelessness, while 34 percent approve of his handling of the crisis. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Gene Ward, a Republican representing Hawaii Kai in the state House, is urging his colleagues to oppose the position of House leadership and Gov. David Ige regarding payments to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Civil Beat.

The list of entities interested in becoming charter school authorizers in Hawaii is growing, as the state Board of Education prepares to weigh in on the increasingly contentious relationship between charter schools and the commission created in 2012 to oversee them. Civil Beat.

With the GOP presidential nomination still up for grabs, some say Hawaii's Republican Party could wind up having a greater say in who gets the nod. Hawaii News Now.

===================

Military personnel were working around the clock Monday, still on the search for the 12 missing Marines off Oahu's north shore. Recently three of four life rafts that were aboard the aircrafts were retrieved -- but the outcome is the same -- no survivors spotted. KITV4.

The 12 Marines missing after two choppers crashed off Oahu were wearing sophisticated life-saving gear that's being factored into how long officials think they can survive in the open ocean. Hawaii News Now.

All four life rafts confirmed to be aboard the two aircraft have been recovered. There is no indication from the sightings that any survivors have been aboard any of the life rafts. KHON2.

===================

People living in Hawaii, California and New York are the most likely to live paycheck-to-paycheck, even though the states have among the highest income levels. Star-Advertiser.

No one in Hawaii seems to have calculated the combined direct and indirect costs of all energy consumption for island farmers. But Matthew Loke, a visiting researcher at UH-Manoa’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, cited data from the 2012 Agricultural Census indicating that direct energy costs made up 9.3 percent of farm production costs in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Rising parakeet population imperils farms, native plants. Associated Press.

Three Hawaii hotels on Maui and the Big Island retained their Five Diamond rating from AAA on the organization’s 2016 list of the 118 hotels that have earned the rating, including six hotels that earned the rating for the first time this year. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A new Hawaii Poll done in December and earlier this month shows Oahu voters are most concerned now with homelessness, the city’s rail project, the economy and traffic, in that order. Star-Advertiser.

Enforcement of city codes to crack down on illegal vacation rentals on Oahu will escalate with the hiring this month of five inspectors to form a unit tasked with investigating housing and zoning code violations. Star-Advertiser.

A number of Honolulu-based high-tech startup companies opened their doors last week to attendees from the 2nd annual East Meets West Conference. Hawaii Public Radio.

A local nonprofit is seeking a special liquor license for Queen’s Beach in Waikiki to speed up possible approval for a National Football League event slated for Jan. 29-30. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

As they prepare for the regular legislative session that starts Wednesday, state lawmakers representing West Hawaii are balancing their priorities between statewide and local issues. West Hawaii Today.

The 2016 legislative session doesn’t begin until Wednesday, but a couple of East Hawaii lawmakers appear to be getting a head start. Tribune-Herald.

As Hawaii Island’s dengue fever outbreak marches on, some isle residents have been critical of efforts by state and county agencies to contain the mosquito-borne virus. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Public access to some state forest reserves and natural area reserves on Maui will be restricted while the state conducts aerial shooting to control populations of feral cattle, pigs, goats and deer. Maui News.

Kauai

The final version of a plan to manage the monk seal population in the Hawaiian Islands has been released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, but officials on Kauai have been using many of the strategies outlined in the plan for years. Garden Island.

Kauai County is looking at solidifying rules as enforcement officials shut down transient vacation rentals operating illegally. Six illegally operating single-family transient vacation rentals have been closed outside the visitor destination area so far this year. In fiscal year 2015, officials shut down 71. Associated Press.

Molokai

Since the Molokai ferry began cutting its routes last September, the athletes and local commuters who once rode the boat now have mostly turned to air travel. Maui News.

Marines still hold hope for survivors following collision of helicopters carrying 12; Hillary Clinton, Duke Aiona, Thirty Meter Telescope, Honolulu rail tops in polls; Maui mulls private electric utility; Kauai recycling challenged, Banyan Drive redevelopment plans; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Window washers at Hawaii Convention Center © 2016 All Hawaii News

Over the past two decades taxpayers have paid about $450 million toward the cost of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, but lawmakers were told last week the Hawaii Tourism Authority still owes almost as much for the center as when the state first started paying for it in 1995. Star-Advertiser.

The search continues for 12 missing marines after two military helicopters crashed late Thursday off O‘ahu’s north shore. Coast Guard Captain Jim Jenkins said there are no plans to call off the mission and still believes there’s hope for survivors. Hawaii Public Radio.

The search for 12 Marines who were on board two helicopters that collided off Oahu's North Shore has entered its fourth day on Monday, with rescuers scouring a widening search area in hopes of finding survivors.  Hawaii News Now.

The ongoing search for 12 Marines who are missing after two helicopters crashed off Hawaii entered the third day with no plans Sunday to call off or suspend the massive effort, the Coast Guard said. Associated Press.

Federal, state, and county officials are searching for a third day today for 12 Marines who are missing after the two helicopters they were in crashed off Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Far beyond Hawaii's shores, family and friends of the Marines refuse to give up hope. KITV4.

======================

Creating more affordable housing, helping the homeless and seeking greater fiscal accountability top the Legislature’s 2016 agenda.  On Friday, House and Senate leaders provided more details of their agenda this session. Civil Beat.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is clearly the most popular candidate for president among Hawaii voters early in the 2016 election season, with 35 percent of those surveyed saying they would cast their ballot for her if the election were held today, according to a new Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

A substantial majority of Hawaii residents supports the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, while a plurality opposes a convention that aims to form a Native Hawaiian government. But it’s a different story for Native Hawaiians, most of whom oppose the telescope while a narrow majority supports the Na‘i Aupuni convention, or aha. Star-Advertiser.

A state legislator is taking issue with comments made at a legislative hearing Wednesday by a top state land department official that implied the agency’s law enforcement officers need semi-automatic weapons to guard against fishermen from the Philippines and Indonesia working in local waters who may be Muslim. Civil Beat.

Opposition to NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries is growing among Hawaii residents, according to the latest Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

More people are working in Hawaii than ever before, and the additional income being generated is keeping card machines whirling. Star-Advertiser.

The final quarter of 2015 was the 24th consecutive quarter of growth in credit and debit sale transactions in Hawaii, meaning sales in the state were up 7 percent for the year, according to First Hawaiian Bank’s Business Activity Report. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Bishop Museum is selling off land. HC&S is ending sugar operations. The University of Hawaii is shelving plans for a building in Sen. Dan Inouye’s honor. More stark reminders of what Hawaii is like without Inouye. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Former Hawaii Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona insists he has not made up his mind about running for Honolulu mayor, but the latest Hawaii Poll may give him encouragement. Aiona, who on Friday acknowledged that he is considering a run, came out on top in a three-way poll question asking registered voters whom they’d select as mayor if the election were to occur today, beating out incumbent Kirk Caldwell and the second-most powerful person at Honolulu Hale, City Council Chairman Ernie Martin. Star-Advertiser.

With nearly 300 concrete columns planted firmly in the ground from East Kapolei through Central Oahu and nearly six miles of guideway built on top of them, most Oahu residents now say they think rail construction should proceed, the latest Hawaii Poll shows. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell is scheduled to leave tonight to attend the United States Conference of Mayors annual winter meeting in Washington, D.C. and to meet with federal officials on homelessness and the Honolulu rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu voters might have the chance to enact meaningful police reform when they cast their ballots this November. On Friday, the Honolulu Charter Commission was supposed to make decisions on several measures that would toughen up police oversight in the city. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Candidates can start pulling papers for this year’s election in just two weeks, but who plans to run for the county’s most important seat is still a big question mark. West Hawaii Today.

A few thousand dollars here, a few thousand there. Pretty soon it starts to add up. In the case of a special County Council fund for contingencies, it adds up to $900,000. Each council member at the beginning of the fiscal year received $100,000. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Planning Director Duane Kanuha announced the state and local governments have entered into a cooperative agreement that will enact a Banyan Drive redevelopment agency, similar to the Hawaii Redevelopment Agency that helped Hilo recover following the 1960 tsunami. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County is looking to take the wheel on revitalizing Hilo’s beleaguered Banyan Drive with a new planning agency that could largely take over the state’s role in overseeing leases and development on the Waiakea Peninsula. Tribune-Herald.

Access to Waipio Valley could remain restricted for 8-12 weeks even after no new cases of dengue fever have been confirmed in the area, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense officials. Tribune-Herald.

A state-funded project to upgrade the Big Island’s largest port facility has reached its final phase. On Friday morning, state Department of Transportation officials and lawmakers broke ground on the interisland cargo terminal of Hilo Harbor’s Pier 4 project. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii state Office of Aerospace Development is anticipating that environmental assessment for Kona International Airport will be completed in the coming weeks. Pacific Business News.

Torrential summer rains knocked out construction work for several weeks, and the discovery of shabby fill material on Highway 11 sent a 500-foot retaining wall back to the drawing board to the tune of $900,000. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Homelessness, energy, public school infrastructure needs - such as cooling hot classrooms - the economy, health care issues, penal reform and perhaps even a statewide lottery are among top issues expected to confront Maui County's state lawmakers in this year's lawmaking session that kicks off Wednesday. Maui News.

An independent operator should run Maui County’s power utility — not Hawaiian Electric, according to a study of utility ownership models released on January 15. Civil Beat.

A consultant hired by the administration of Mayor Alan Arakawa recommended that Maui County seek a new private entity to oversee Maui's electric grid while leaving power generation and transmission in the hands of Maui Electric Co. Maui News.

The owner of a plantation on Maui who is looking to turn the property into a development with small businesses and more than 1,400 homes expects for the project's environmental impact statement to be submitted for review this week. Hawaii News Now.

The developer of Waikapu Country Town, a development of more than 1,000 homes and acres of farmland surrounding the Maui Tropical Plantation, expects to submit the project's draft environmental impact statement to the state Land Use Commission this week. Maui News.

With approval for the site plan in hand and many procedural hurdles already cleared, the physical work on West Maui's long-awaited hospital is soon to begin. Maui News.

Kauai

Citing rising costs and inadequate funding, Reynolds Recycling is making cuts around the island. Garden Island.

The seawall fronting the Pono Kai Resort in Kapaa has been dedicated — below budget and ahead of schedule. Garden Island.

Incoming ninth-graders and their parents got a surprise recently when they learned advanced classes will not be offered at Kapaa High School next year. Garden Island.

State sells public hospitals, rescuers search for 12 Marines downed in Oahu helicopter collision, court records sealed in Big Island DLNR probe, Maui mulls new governance model, Kauai police officer arrested on embezzlement charges, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige, hospital officials sign transfer agreement, courtesy Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige has signed an agreement transferring operation of three financially struggling Maui County hospitals to Kaiser Permanente in the first privatization of Hawaii public hospitals ever. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Y. Ige, the Maui Regional Board and the corporate board of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation on Thursday signed an agreement that transfers operation and management of several Maui area health care facilities from the state to Kaiser Permanente. Civil Beat.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii on Thursday signed an agreement to take control of the state-owned hospitals on Maui and Lanai in what will become the first private acquisition of a Hawaii state hospital in history, and pledged to spend a minimum of $20 million on upgrades over the next five years. Pacific Business News.

Governor David Ige today signed a transfer agreement for the operations and management of the Maui Region Hospitals that effectively transfers responsibility from the state to Kaiser Permanente. Maui Now.

=========================

In the first six months of this fiscal year, to the end of December, Hawaii’s general tax fund jumped 9.5 percent from the same period last year, thanks mostly to increased general excise use and tax collections. Pacific Business News.

It’s time once again for another session of the Hawaii Legislature, and you know what that means: Lawmakers will ask for political contributions so they can run for re-election. Civil Beat.

It's a new year with an old problem involving volunteer boards and commissions in Hawaii. KITV4.

How To Save Lives Without Scaring Tourists Away. Ocean safety experts, tourism officials, lawmakers and families who have lost loved ones have definite ideas about keeping visitors safe in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The U.S. Coast Guard and Honolulu Fire Department are searching this morning for survivors after two Marine helicopters, with a total of 12 people on board, collided off Oahu’s North Shore late Thursday night. Star-Advertiser.

Rescue crews are searching for 12 passengers on board two U.S. Marine Corps helicopters that crashed off Oahu’s North Shore late Thursday night. Hawaii News Now.

Two U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E helicopters are missing off the North Shore of Oahu late Thursday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. USCG is searching for survivors, Marine Maj. Christine Devine said Friday. KHON2.

Plans to build a $50 million center on the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus to honor the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye have been shelved indefinitely, in part because the school’s growing $503 million repair and maintenance backlog is hampering the university’s ability to secure public funds for new projects. Star-Advertiser.

Today the Honolulu City Council Committee on Zoning and Planning extended a bill providing extra enforcement on illegal bed and breakfasts. KITV4.

About 100 businesses located along the rail construction route participate in the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's Shop and Dine on the Line program, designed to help make up for business lost because of rail construction. And many say the program just isn't working. Hawaii News Now.

A Hawaii law center is suing the Centers for Disease Control to release a safety report critical of a University of Hawaii biolab. Civil Beat.

Businesses with strong financials are being listed for sale across the nation and Honolulu businesses are ahead of the pack, according to data from BizBuySell. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

A state judge at the request of county prosecutors Thursday sealed documents in the high-profile case involving a Department of Land and Natural Resources officer who has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor while on the job. Star-Advertiser.

Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, an educational and cultural gem in Captain Cook, will close its doors to the public at the end of the month. West Hawaii Today.

A California investment group has purchased the Big Island Country Club for an undisclosed amount. West Hawaii Today.

Last spring, the nonprofit Hope Services Hawaii launched a pilot program to help recently released prisoners by partnering them with volunteer mentors. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Mall has been sold to an affiliate of a global real estate giant for $91.1 million, and the company plans to spend a few more million dollars to expand Whole Foods, according to disclosure documents filed last month. Maui News.

Mayor Alan Arakawa and Mark Hyde of South Maui Citizens for Responsible Growth will be presenting their views on a possible change in the system of county governance at the Kihei Community Association meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Maui News.

A development of 112 multifamily, condominium and vacation rental units and 46 single-family lots and cottages as well as nearly 35,000 square feet in commercial space is proposed for 47 acres in the Makena Resort. Maui News.

Kauai

It’s been a year of cat and mouse games for the planning department, according to Michael Dahilig, county planning director. That’s because they’ve been cracking down on illegal single-family transient vacation rentals outside of the Visitor Destination Area. Garden Island.

A Kauai police lieutenant, who was once nominated for Hawaii officer of the year, was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Thursday for alleged embezzlement of government funds and money laundering. Civil Beat.

A former Kauai Police Department lieutenant was charged and arrested by the FBI Thursday for allegedly embezzling $75,000 in county funds. Garden Island.

The FBI has arrested a Kauai Police Department lieutenant for allegedly stealing $75,000 in federal grant money meant for undercover drug buys. Lt. Karen Kapua, who was once named KPD's Officer of the Year, was a 16-year veteran of the KPD. She was indicted on federal theft and money laundering charges. Hawaii News Now.